This Homemade Turkey Sausage Recipe is a simple, easy-to-make recipe that combines fresh ground turkey with a perfect blend of herbs and spices with a hint of heat. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a quick and flavorful alternative to store-bought options. This ground turkey sausage is healthy, customizable, and versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it a go-to choice for delicious, hassle-free meals.
The Best Turkey Sausage Recipe
This homemade turkey sausage recipe has the ultimate blend of flavor and versatility, making this sausage a cut above any store-bought option. Unlike prepackaged turkey Italian sausage loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sodium, my recipe is crafted with fresh ground turkey, a mix of herbs and spices, and no unnecessary additives. The balance of savory garlic, aromatic fennel, and just the right touch of heat ensures every bite is packed with flavor, while the lean turkey keeps it guilt-free and heart-healthy. Perfect for breakfast quiche or casserole, dirty rice, or dinner pasta dishes, this sausage adapts to any meal effortlessly. Plus, the ability to customize the seasoning to suit your tastes makes this recipe truly unbeatable—because nothing beats a dish tailored to perfection in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for this Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Ground Turkey: Provides a lean, protein-packed base with a mild flavor that pairs well with spices and herbs.
Salt: Brings out the flavor of the sausage. Add more to adjust to your preferred taste.
Herbs: I used Italian seasoning and fennel seeds. You can also use sage, if you are looking for that traditional breakfast sausage flavor.
Spices: I used Red pepper flakes, black cracked pepper, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add cayenne pepper for additional spice.
Olive oil: this is needed especially since ground turkey is lean. This helps int the cooking process.
Garlic: adds delicious savory flavor.
How to Make Turkey Sausage
Step 1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil. Then, add the ground turkey to the hot skillet.
Step 2. Next, add your salt, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and paprika. Brown the turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Alternatively, you can mix your ground turkey, herbs, and spices in a mixing bowl prior to cooking it, depending on your purposes. Pro tip: crush the fennel seeds with a mortar and pestle or wrap the seeds in plastic wrap or paper towel and roll a rolling pin over them to crush them before adding to the skillet.
Step 3. When the turkey is almost browned, add your minced garlic. Once the turkey is browned, remove from the skillet and set it aside. The sausage is not ready to be used in a recipe.
Is Turkey Sausage Healthy?
Turkey sausage is a healthy option, especially homemade, as it’s high in lean protein, lower in fat and calories than pork sausage, and free of additives. Using fresh spices and healthy fats like olive oil makes it nutrient-rich, heart-friendly, and customizable to your dietary needs.
FAQs
What kind of turkey should I use?
It’s totally up to you. You can go as fatty or as lean as you want.
Is turkey sausage good for you?
Yes, turkey sausage can be good for you, especially when made with lean ground turkey and wholesome ingredients. It’s high in protein, lower in fat and calories compared to pork sausage, and provides essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. Homemade versions are even healthier since you can control the sodium and avoid preservatives or additives.
Can I freeze homemade turkey sausage?
Yes! Shape the uncooked sausage into patties or rolls, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking. You can also freeze the cooked turkey italian sausage up to 3 months and use pull it out when needed.
How long does homemade turkey sausage last in the fridge?
Store cooked sausage in an airtight container for up to about 4 days, or uncooked sausage for about 2 days.
Can I add additional flavor to this recipe?
Yes! I am a big proponent for you making this recipe your own. Feel free to add sage, brown sugar, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, or whatever you like to make this recipe fit your intended purpose.
More Breakfast Recipes
- The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Apple Scones with Maple Icing
- Homemade Home Fries with Garlic Aioli
- Bacon Cheddar Biscuits with Scallions
- Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping
- The Best Blueberry Pancakes with Blueberry Compote
- Homemade Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
I hope you love these Homemade Turkey Sausage Recipe! It’s savory, easy, and so delicious. If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @butterloveandsalt on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support Butter, Love & Salt and make it possible for me to continue to create delicious recipes.
Homemade Turkey Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp black cracked pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil. Then, add the ground turkey to the hot skillet.
- Next, add your salt, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and paprika. Brown the turkey, breaking it up as it cooks (alternatively, you can mix your ground turkey, herbs, and spices in a mixing bowl prior to cooking it, depending on your purposes).
- When the turkey is almost browned throughout (with little to no pink), add the minced garlic. Once the turkey is browned and fully cooked, remove from the skillet and set it aside. The sausage is now ready to be eaten or used in a recipe.
Notes
- Crush the fennel seeds with a mortar and pestle or wrap the seeds in plastic wrap or paper towel and roll a rolling pin over them to crush them before adding to the skillet.
- This recipe is versatile. Feel free to add or omit additional seasonings and herbs. You can also add sweetness by adding brown sugar or maple syrup.
- To make this recipe into patties, mix the ground turkey with the seasonings and herbs in a mixing bowl and then make your patties prior to cooking the meat.
- Don’t overcook the turkey sausage. Since it’s a lean meat, that is very easy to do. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid dryness. Once the sausage is no longer pink, remove it from the heat.
Nutritional Information
Recipe by: Chavez Adams / Butter, Love & Salt | Photography by: Meg McKeehan and Jess Gaertner
Rate & Review
What did you think of this recipe?